Idiopathic Issues

Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a  biomarker that can be used in interpretation with the creatinine, BUN, and urinalysis to help diagnose renal insufficiency in pets earlier on in the disease process. 

 SDMA is a methylated form of arginine (an amino acid) that is released into the circulation as the protein is broken down and is excreted almost exclusively by the kidneys. It is a biomarker for kidney function and therefore is a good estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This biomarker increases with the loss of 40% of renal function (as compared to creatinine which does not increase until 75% of the renal function is lost). SDMA is not affected by factors other than kidney function and is therefore very SPECIFIC.

Whether good or bad, these are the most buzzed about stories of 2015 in the veterinarian community!

Yes, it has been an ongoing hot topic in the veterinary world! There is yet another bill in Congress that was introduced this summer that is awaiting review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee known as the Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2015.

This bill would require that veterinarians provide a written prescription for all medications (other than those given in hospital or acute situations) regardless of whether the pet owner chooses to have them dispensed in the vet hospital or not. I see several issues with this bill (which by the way is NOT supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.)